Banfield lives in Darien, which is home to one of two offices that Person-to-Person maintains, and has volunteered answering the phones, booking casework appointments and greeting clients, according to a news release from the organization.

"We are so fortunate to have her support," P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher said. "Given how busy Ashleigh is with her career, we very much appreciate that she is supporting Person-to-Person and college students in such a hands-on manner."

According to Maher, the scholarship program is a cornerstone of the P2P's service offerings.

"From the very beginning," Maher said, "P2P recognized the need to go beyond the basics of food, clothing and shelter to achieve our mission. We need to help provide opportunity for people living in poverty and the best way to do that is through higher education."

For more than 46 years, P2P has been awarding scholarships to college students from low-income households.

"P2P has funded $3.6 million in scholarships for nearly 2,000 students in the last 10 years alone. And more than 78 percent of the scholarship recipients are first-generation college students," Maher said.

In addition to barbecue fare provided by Some Things Fishy Catering, the Erik Deutsch Trio will be playing during the cocktail hour. Following dinner, Booga Sugar will perform dance music.

Tickets are $150 and may be purchased by visiting p2pHelps.org or calling 203-621-0696.